Category Management Lead (Strategic Sourcing / Category Strategy / Supplier Management / Mining & Heavy Industry)

Reference Number: DGS-0006

Job Description:

Our client, a leading mining operation in Southern Africa, is seeking a Category Management Lead to provide strategic sourcing leadership across assigned spend categories within a mining and capital‑intensive operating environment.

The position is responsible for developing and executing category strategies, managing supplier markets, and leading sourcing and contract activities to deliver sustainable commercial value, ensure supply continuity, and mitigate supply risk. The Category Management Lead works closely with operations, engineering, and finance teams to ensure procurement decisions are aligned with operational priorities, governance frameworks, and long‑term business objectives.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute multi‑year category strategies aligned to operational and business requirements.
• Conduct spend analysis, market assessments, and supplier capability evaluations.
• Lead strategic sourcing activities, including RFIs, RFPs, negotiations, and contract awards.
• Apply total cost of ownership (TCO) principles to sourcing and commercial decisions.
• Manage supplier relationships, performance reviews, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Negotiate and manage commercial contracts with OEMs, contractors, and service providers.
• Identify opportunities for cost optimization, value engineering, and demand management.
• Act as the commercial interface between Supply Chain, Operations, Engineering, and Finance.
• Ensure sourcing activities comply with procurement governance, policies, and approval frameworks.
• Manage category‑specific supply risks, including continuity, dependency, and market volatility.
• Support contract lifecycle management and supplier performance against KPIs and service levels.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of procurement processes and sourcing methodologies.

Requirements: Qualification and Skill

• Degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Commerce, or related discipline.
• Typically 8+ years’ supply chain experience, with 5+ years in category management or strategic sourcing.
• Experience in mining, heavy industry, or capital‑intensive environments (preferred).
• Strong commercial, negotiation, and contract management capability.
• Proven ability to apply strategic thinking and market analysis to sourcing decisions.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and influencing skills across cross‑functional teams.
• Analytical and data‑driven decision‑making capability.
• Processing or engineering exposure is highly advantageous.

Key Competencies & Attributes:

• Commercial mindset with strong value‑creation focus
• Strategic thinker able to translate operational needs into sourcing strategies
• Influential and credible with senior stakeholders and suppliers
• Resilient, decisive, and accountable in complex supply markets
• Collaborative across operations, engineering, finance, and suppliers

If you wish to apply for the position, please send your CV to dscholtemeyer@camining.com.

Please visit www.camining.com for more exciting opportunities.

Daniel Scholtemeyer

Executive Talent Consultant

CA Mining

CA Mining will respond to short-listed candidates only. If you have not had any response in two weeks, please consider your application unsuccessful, however your CV will be kept on our database for any other suitable positions.